Leveraging thewater‐energynexus to derive benefits for the electric grid throughdemand‐sidemanagement in the water supply and wastewater sectors

Abstract

AbstractLeveraging the potential flexibility of large electrical loads has become an attractive option for maintaining grid reliability, especially in electric grids with high penetrations of variable renewable energy. The water sector is a particularly attractive option for demand‐side flexibility due to its vast water storage infrastructure, large interruptible pumping loads, and energy generation opportunities. Shifting the timing of water supply and wastewater utility operations can reduce peak load and temporally align energy‐consuming activities with periods of cheap electricity prices and/or high renewable energy generation. This paper presents a general overview of demand‐side management strategies in water and wastewater systems, focusing primarily on demand‐response measures. We find that while there is consensus in the literature about the potential for water systems to provide flexible demand‐side management services, there is a need for developing comprehensive water‐energy models to examine the value of load management as a source of revenue for water utilities and as a source of flexibility for the electric grid. More experimental studies and simulation efforts are also needed to address the technical complexities and water quality concerns associated with interrupting water and wastewater utility operations.This article is categorized under:Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of WaterEngineering Water > Planning Water